Protective cover means for firearms

ABSTRACT

New and improved stock covers for firearms, which covers can remain installed even while the firearm piece is being fired. The subject covers protect particularly exposed areas of the stock from marring as by hitting objects, falling of the firearm piece, and so forth. The stock covers of the invention include suitable openings to provide relief or access areas for certain functional portions of the firearm, and, additionally, means such as flaps and straps for ultimately securing the covers in place. The covers are so designed that side areas of the stock of the firearm are especially protected against damage.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Richard II. Seiger 55 25 Hillside Drive, Salt Lake, Utah 84107 [21 1 Appl. No. 793,393 [22] Filed Jan. 23, 1969 [45] Patented Apr. 13, 1971 [54] PROTECTIVE COVER MEANS FOR FIREARMS 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 42/1 [51] Int. Cl F41c 27/00, F4lc 27/08 [50] Field of Search 42/1, 1 (N), 1 (O), 71, 74

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 799,037 9/1905 Duncan 42/74 1,839,856 1/1932 Anderson 42/74 2,364,340 12/1944 Bogg,.|r 42/1N FOREIGN PATENTS 22,182 12/1920 France 42/1N 23,895 8/1915 GreatBritain 42/1N Primary Examiner-Benjamin A. Borchelt Assistant Examiner-Charles T. Jordan Attorney-M. Ralph Shaffer ABSTRACT: New and improved stock covers for firearms, which covers can remain installed even while the firearm piece is being fired. The subject covers protect particularly exposed areas of the stock from marring as by hitting objects, falling of the firearm piece, and so forth. The stock covers of the invention include suitable openings to provide relief or access areas for certain functional portions of the firearm, and, additionally, means such as flaps and straps for ultimately securing the covers in place. The covers are so designed that side areas of the stock of the firearm are especially protected against damage.

Patented April 13, 1971 3,574,965

INVENTOR. RICHARD H. SEIGER HIS ATTORNEY PROTECTIVE COVER MEANS FOR FIREARMS The present invention relates to firearms and, more particularly to covers designed to be installed upon and to thereby protect various areas of the stocks of such firearms form unintentioned bumping, marring and so forth. The forearm cover is also specially useful in achieving a secure grip by the user on the forearm of the piece, thereby insuring a steady aiming of the piece without chancing lateral slippage as between the forearm and the hand of the user.

Some of the essential features of the invention include suitable access openings so as to permit the covers to be satisfactorily installed and operating mechanisms and parts to be exposed; also, flap means and straps are used to close the covers in position on the fireann so that the covers will not tend to slip back and forth.

Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to provide new and improved cover means for firearms, especially rifle-type firearms such as rifles and shotguns.

A further object is to provide covers for firearms such as rifles and shotguns wherein such covers may be used in the field, this in such a way that various portions of the firearms such as the bolt actuating lever, the trigger assembly, sights, and telescopic sight, if used, are all exposed for use; hence, the covers may remain intact on the firearm during actual use in the field of the firearm.

An additional object is to provide protective cover means for firearms wherein the installation of such cover will not deter the shooting of the piece.

An additional object is to provide in covers for firearms certain access openings permitting installation of the covers, an easy fastening means for closing the access openings and otherwise securely mounting the covers in place.

An additional object is to provide cover means for the forearm of the firearm which will enable steady gripping of the forearm by the user and, additionally, anchoring of the cover to the trigger guard of the piece so that the cover will not tend to slip back and forth.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a firearm incorporating the cover means of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a connected cover construction wherein straps or essentially equivalent means are used to connect the forearm and butt covers together and, optionally, to offer some protection to the grip portion of the stock of the firearm.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the forward end of the forearm cover is slightly modified in its construction.

FIGS. 4 and S are transverse sections taken along the lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken along the lines 6-6 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along the lines 7-7 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan of the firearm in FIG. 3 with its cover and is taken along the lines 8-8 in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 1 firearm 10 includes the usual barrel ll, receiver and bolt assembly 12, trigger assembly 13, and telescopic sight 14 mounted to the receiver in the position indicated. Stock 15 receives the trigger assembly 13 in the manner included and they include trigger guard 16.

Essential features of the present invention reside in the protective coverings of the stock so as to permit the piece to be used, but also prevent the same from being marred as to surface appearance. Stock 15 of course includes the forwardly tapered butt portion 17, grip l8 integral therewith, and forearm portion 19 also integral with the former via grip [8. Butt portion I7 is covered by a butt cover or sleeve member 20, the same taking the form of an annular butt sleeve portion 21 which is open at 22 to receive rear swivel 23 at the rear of open area 22. A flap 24 is integral with one side of the butt sleeve and overlaps the underside of butt portion 17 to snap or otherwise be secured to the remaining side panel of the butt sleeve member 20. As seen in FIG. 4, snap fasteners 24 and 25 may be sewn, riveted or otherwise caused to adhere to one of side panels 26 and 27 (panel 27 in FIG. 4), with remaining snap fastener 25 being likewise secured to flap 24.

It hence becomes an easy matter to slip the butt sleeve member over butt portion 17 until the rear swivel 23 nestles at the rear portion at the open area 22, thereby permitting flap 24 to be closed and snapped home in the manner indicated in FIGS. I and 4. Note that open area 22 is provided in order that the enlarged rearward portion of butt portion 16 may be conveniently inserted within the protective butt sleeve member 20.

Forearm sleeve member or cover 28 include opposite side panels 29 and 30 contiguous with a bottom area 31 as shown in FIG. 5. A plurality of straps 32 are integrally formed or otherwise secured to side panel 30, for example, and the former provided with snap fasteners 33, respectively, similar to the case of flap 24 with respect to butt sleeve member 20. Corresponding snaps 35 are secured to the upper margin of side panel 29 to accommodate the positioning and securement of respective straps 32. The straps and/or general upper contour of the firearm sleeve member 28 may be adjusted so that any firearm contour can be accommodated. It is noted that strap 32A in FIG. I can be made slightly longer than the remaining straps 32. This is in order that the strap may be disposed completely about the receiver housing and snapped in place by snap means 39.

Strap 40 is provided with snap 41 engaging corresponding snap 42 disposed upon side panel 29. It is noted in the case of strap 40 that the same has a longitudinally canted orientation in order to provide for substantially longitudinally securement to trigger guard 16.

Firearm sleeve member or cover 28 is preferably sewn or otherwise secured closed at 43, leaving only the aperture 44 to receive barrel I I.

In referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 it is seen that butt sleeve member 20A, corresponding to butt sleeve member 20 in FIG. I, is slightly modified relative to member 20 in FIG. I in that opposite side straps 45 and 46, see FIGS. 2 and 6, are stitched or otherwise secured at 47 to the butt sleeve portion 21A, corresponding to butt sleeve portion 21 in FIG. I. The forward ends of side straps 45 and 46 are secured with snap fasteners 48, the latter securing to corresponding snaps 49 of forearm sleeve member 28A (corresponding to forearm sleeve member 28 in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the entire protective structure 49 in FIG. 2 may be considered as comprising the butt sleeve member 20A, forearm sleeve member 28A, and side straps 45 and 46.

In FIGS. 3 and 7 butt sleeve member 50 is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and referenced by numeral 20. Forearm sleeve member 51 corresponds to forearm sleeve member 28 in FIG. I and is essentially of the same construction excepting that, this time, there are but two upper straps as at 52 and 53 instead of the three straps shown in FIG. I. In any event, it is preferable that the forward end of the cover or sleeve member 50 be closed at 54, to abut the forward end of the forearm (as is also the case in FIGS. 1 and 2) hence providing an opening solely at 55 for receiving the firearm barrel ll. Straps 53 and S6 in FIG. 3 correspond to straps 32A and 40 in FIG. 1 and may be constructed essentially in the same manner for the same purposes as shown.

In referring to FIG. I, it is seen that the forearm sleeve member 28 is easily slipped over the forward end of the barrel such that closed area 43 comes in an engagement with the forward portion of the forearm of the stock. At this point, open area 57 enables the downward displacement of the cover means so that the front swivel 58 may be thrust through aperture 59 in the lower part of forearm sleeve member 28. Thereupon the straps 32 and 32A may be secured in the manner illustrated in FIG. I; generally subsequent to this operation the trigger strap 40 will be secured in the manner shown relative to trigger guard 16. At this point it is seen that the forearm sleeve guard or sleeve member 28 is completely secured in place.

To install the butt sleeve member or cover the flap will of course be unsnapped so as to reveal open area 22. The butt end of the stock is hence inserted into butt sleeve member 20 until the end thereof meets the end of the member 20. At this point the relief opening 22 may be closed by the positioning around of flap 24 and the snapping thereof in place in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

The installation of the protective covers or sleeve members 20 and 28 in FIG. 2 is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, with the further addition that side straps 45 and 46 may be snapped in place where the same are used.

The installation of the stock covers 50 and 51 are essentially the same as and are installed in the same manner, as indicated in connection with the structure in FIGS. I and 2.

FIG. 8 indicates that terminal portions 60 associated with the opposite side panels of the forearm sleeve member 51, may be stitched together to form a complete enclosure at this point of the structure. The same also applies in connection with the forearm sleeve members 28 and 28A illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.

What is provided hence is suitable protective covering means for fireanns to prevent the stocks of these firearms, generally rifles and shotguns, from being scratched or otherwise marred. The several covers comprising members 20, 28, 28A, 50 and SI serve ideally to protect the various stock areas from marring as might be caused by any reason in the field or at home. These several covers as illustrated may be fabricated ideally from a soft leather, Chamois skin, plastic, and so forth. Furthermore, when the surface friction with respect to forearm sleeve member 28 is of sufficient magnitude, as in connection with the roughened surfaces of a charnois skin, for example, then the gun may be more easily gripped in the forearm area to provide a steadying of the firearm for aiming and shooting purposes.

What is provided, therefore, is a new and improved cover means for the stocks of firearms to protect them in all environments and also to aid the shooter in use in both the carrying and shooting of the firearm.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

I. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a butt and a foreami, a trigger, an operating and ejection mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to cover said butt and forearm and to expose said trigger, operating and ejection mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm.

2. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, and wherein said firearm includes a trigger guard, said cover having strap means secured to said trigger guard for anchoring said cover thereto.

3. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, wherein said firearm includes a trigger guard, said cover having strap means secured to said trigger guard for anchoring said cover thereto, and wherein said firearm comprises a rifle-type firearm having a stock provided with a forearm, said forearm terminating in a forward end, said cover having a closed forward portion abutting said forearm forward end.

4. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, and wherein said firearm includes astock having a forearm and a barrel disposed on said forearm, said cover including a forward extremity having an access aperture receiving said barrel and a closed forward portion abutting said foreaml, said cover including strap means releasably secured over said barrel for securing said cover thereto.

5. [n the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said fireann having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, wherein said cover comprises a stock butt cover, said firearm including a stock having a forwardly tapered stock butt portion, said stock butt cover being formed as a sleeve having a forwardly disposed, open longitudinal margin constructed to facilitate insertion of said stock butt portion within such sleeve, and means disposed proximate said open margin to close said stock butt cover about said stock butt portion thereat, and wherein said means comprises an overlapping flap, said flap and the remainder of said stock butt cover including mutually cooperable snap fastener means releasably secured together.

6. In the combination of a rifle-type firearm having a stock provided with a forearm and a forwardly tapered stock butt contiguous therewith, and a cover disposed over said stock butt; an contiguous wherein said cover comprises a sleeve having a forwardly disposed open margin facilitating insertion of said stock butt within said sleeve, said cover including a flap constructed for overlapping and thereby closing said margin, said flap and the remainder of said cover being provided with interengaging, releasably secured, snap fastener means.

7. A forearm protective cover for a rifle-type firearm having a barrel, a stock forearm, and a trigger guard, said cover having a forward aperture constructed to admit said barrel and a forward closed portion constructed to abut the forward end of said forearm, said cover having an elongate, open, rearwardly disposed margin facilitating relief of barrel accessories atop said barrel, strap means for anchoring said cover to said trigger guard, and means for urging opposite longitudinal margins of said cover toward each other in respective directions over said barrel.

IOI036 

1. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a butt and a forearm, a trigger, an operating and ejection mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to cover said butt and forearm and to expose said trigger, operating and ejection mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm.
 2. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, and wherein said firearm includes a trigger guard, said cover having strap means secured to said trigger guard for anchoring said cover thereto.
 3. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, wherein said firearm includes a trigger guard, said cover having strap means secured to said trigger guard for anchoring said cover thereto, and wherein said firearm comprises a rifle-type firearm having a stock provided with a forearm, said forearm terminating in a forward end, said cover having a closed forward portion abutting said forearm forward end.
 4. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, and wherein said firearm includes a stock having a forearm and a barrel disposed on said forearm, said cover including a forward extremity having an access aperture receiving said barrel and a closed forward portion abutting said forearm, said cover including strap means releasably secured over said barrel for securing said cover thereto.
 5. In the combination of a firearm and a protective cover installed thereover, said firearm having a trigger, an operating mechanism, and a sight, an improvement wherein said cover is contoured and dimensioned to expose said trigger, operating mechanism, and sight for use in firing said firearm while said cover is installed thereon, said cover including means for releasably securing said cover upon said firearm, wherein said cover comprises a stock butt cover, said firearm including a stock having a forwardly tapered stock butt portion, said stock butt cover being formed as a sleeve having a forwardly disposed, open longitudinal margin constructed to facilitate insertion of said stock butt portion within such sleeve, and means disposed proximate said open margin to close said stock butt cover about said stock butt portion thereat, and wherein said means comprises an overlapping flap, said flap and the remainder of said stock butt cover including mutually cooperable snap fastener means releasably secured together.
 6. In the combination of a rifle-type firearm having a stock provided with a forearm and a forwardly tapered stock butt contiguous therewith, and a cover disposed over said stock butt; an contiguous wherein said cover comprises a sleeve having a Forwardly disposed open margin facilitating insertion of said stock butt within said sleeve, said cover including a flap constructed for overlapping and thereby closing said margin, said flap and the remainder of said cover being provided with interengaging, releasably secured, snap fastener means.
 7. A forearm protective cover for a rifle-type firearm having a barrel, a stock forearm, and a trigger guard, said cover having a forward aperture constructed to admit said barrel and a forward closed portion constructed to abut the forward end of said forearm, said cover having an elongate, open, rearwardly disposed margin facilitating relief of barrel accessories atop said barrel, strap means for anchoring said cover to said trigger guard, and means for urging opposite longitudinal margins of said cover toward each other in respective directions over said barrel. 